Radiofrequency Ablation Can Stop Your Pain. Are You a Candidate?

Living with chronic pain is exhausting. Whether it’s back pain, neck pain, or discomfort in your joints, it can affect nearly every aspect of your life. If traditional treatments like physical therapy or medication haven’t provided lasting relief, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may offer a solution. 

Dr. Brian K. Rich and our team at aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics in Wichita Falls and Decatur, Texas, treat chronic pain with radiofrequency ablation and can answer your questions.

Understanding radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure for treating chronic pain. It uses heat generated from radiofrequency energy to target specific nerves that transmit pain signals to the brain. Disrupting these nerves can significantly reduce or even eliminate the pain. 

We commonly use this procedure to treat conditions that cause persistent spine, joint, and neck pain.

We typically perform the procedure under local anesthesia, so you stay awake while we numb the area that needs care. During the procedure, we insert a thin needle through the skin and deliver radiofrequency energy to the affected nerves. Depending on the severity and location of your pain, the entire process usually takes 30 to 90 minutes. 

Afterward, you may feel some mild soreness at the treatment site, but many patients return to their daily activities within a day or two.

Conditions RFA treats

Radiofrequency ablation is effective for treating several types of chronic pain, especially pain that hasn’t responded well to other treatments. One of the most common conditions treated with RFA is facet joint pain. 

Facet joints help with movement in the spine. However, they can become inflamed and cause significant back or neck discomfort. RFA can also treat degenerative disc disease, in which the discs between the vertebrae break down and irritate the nerves. 

In addition, RFA may benefit certain types of arthritis, particularly those in the spine or other joints. Radiofrequency ablation may also help manage sacroiliac joint pain. 

RFA is most successful for conditions where pain can be traced to specific nerves or joints. It provides a more targeted solution than general pain management techniques.

Is RFA the right treatment for you?

Radiofrequency ablation is not suitable for everyone, but it can be an excellent option for those who have chronic pain that hasn’t improved with conventional treatments like physical therapy or medications. 

We typically begin with diagnostic testing to determine if RFA is right for you. Often, this includes a nerve block, where a numbing agent is injected into the area suspected of causing pain. If the nerve block diminishes your pain, it confirms that the targeted nerves are the issue, which makes RFA a more likely solution.

Since RFA works best when we can localize the pain to specific nerves, it doesn’t work well for individuals whose pain is widespread or difficult to pinpoint. 

Additionally, RFA doesn’t cure the underlying condition—it only provides pain relief. While the effects can last several months to over a year, nerves may regenerate over time, and the pain could return. In some cases, repeat procedures may be necessary.

What to expect after the procedure

One of the main advantages of radiofrequency ablation is its relatively quick recovery time. Most people experience only mild soreness or swelling at the site of the procedure, which typically resolves within a few days. Most patients can return to work and resume normal activities within one to two days. 

We recommend avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a short period afterward. While RFA is safe, following our aftercare instructions is critical to minimize risks and promote healing. 

Some patients feel immediate relief, while others may take a few weeks to experience the full effects. In the meantime, we monitor your progress and recovery.

Finding relief from chronic pain

If you're living with chronic pain and other treatments haven't worked, radiofrequency ablation could be the solution you’ve been looking for. 

The best way to determine if RFA is right for you is to give us a call or schedule an appointment online. We can evaluate your condition, discuss your medical history, and help determine if RFA could help you.